The use of DNA barcoding for the identification of giant hogweeds in the European North-East of Russia

Qualitative differences in the nrDNA ITS and ETS sequences in the total sample were determined to allow identification of the following groups of samples: H. mantegazzianum, H . cf. sosnowskyi, H . cf. mantegazzianum and H . cf. sosnowskyi × H . cf. mantegazzianum among other representatives of the Heracleum genus presented in the genetic databases. The study revealed the absence of correlation between a sample type in the group H. mantegazzianum, H . cf. sosnowskyi, H . cf. mantegazzianum and H . cf. sosnowskyi × H . cf. mantegazzianum and qualitative transformations in the ITS and ETS sequences. The qualitative analysis of the rbcL, matK, rps16 intron, intergenic spacers psbA-trnH, trnQ-rps16, rps16-trnK and rpl32-trnL cpDNA sequences for the samples identified as Heracleum mantegazzianum , H . cf. sosnowskyi , H . cf. mantegazzianum and H . cf. sosnowskyi × H . cf. mantegazzianum demonstrated no correlation between them as well. ### Competing Interest Statement The authors have declared no competing interest.